Imperial Russian Kolchugin Silver Plated Coater

An exceptionally rare and elegant Imperial Russian silver-plated bottle coaster by the renowned Partnership of Kolchugin (Товарищество Кольчугина), one of the foremost manufacturers of luxury silver-plated wares in the Russian Empire during the late nineteenth century. This finely crafted example bears the original factory mark incorporating the Imperial double-headed eagles together with the manufacturer’s name in Cyrillic, “Товарищество Кольчугина”, and the date mark 1882–1896, allowing the piece to be accurately attributed to this important period of production. Also stamped “№1”, denoting the highest quality grade of silver plating offered by the factory, together with the factory designation “M”. Executed in a restrained yet elegant form, the coaster features a broad rolled rim with a recessed centre designed to securely support a wine or champagne bottle whilst protecting polished dining tables from moisture. The quality of manufacture, substantial construction and refined finish are characteristic of Kolchugin’s reputation for producing tableware that rivalled the finest English and French makers of the Victorian era. Founded by Alexander Grigorievich Kolchugin in 1871, the Kolchugin Partnership became one of Imperial Russia’s most respected metalworking firms, supplying luxury hotels, aristocratic households and discerning private clients throughout the Russian Empire. Original examples bearing early factory marks are increasingly difficult to find and are highly sought after by collectors of Imperial Russian decorative arts. A distinguished and unusual survivor from the final decades of Imperial Russia, this bottle coaster would make an excellent addition to a collection of Russian silver, antique wine accessories or fine nineteenth-century dining wares.